Three exits loom in early Emmerdale ITVX release after the darkest story. The following article contains spoilers from the episode of Emmerdale dated May 1. It hasn’t aired on ITV1 yet, but can be viewed on ITVX.
Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) stood outside his house in Emmerdale all alone in today’s episode, quietly wondering if he was looking at the village for the final time. On Monday, Paddy, Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) and Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) will be questioned in court regarding the murder of Ray Walters (Joe Absolom). Bear is facing the prospect of going to prison for the rest of his life after killing Ray, while Paddy and Dylan are taking to the stand for perverting the course of justice.
Up until yesterday, Paddy, Bear and Dylan weren’t exactly hopeful that they’d be found innocent at the trial. During Paddy’s visit to the prison to see his dad though, things changed when Bear spotted a familiar face also in the room with him. Bear had seen Simo, a slave from the farm. He disappeared towards the end of last year after crossing Ray and Celia, and Bear eventually came to accept that Simo had probably been murdered.
Outside the prison, Paddy approached Simo and told him about Bear’s case, and asked for his help. Unfortunately, Simo told Paddy that he wasn’t prepared to testify at the trial. He explained that he’s managed to get his life back on track after living on the farm, and didn’t want to risk falling apart by recalling his ordeal.
In today’s instalment, Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) and Dylan pondered over Simo’s return and believed there was a way to track him down and convince him to help. As they reflected on the fact neither of them knew where Simo is from, let alone whether that was even the man’s real name, Marlon realised there was someone in the village who could assist. He met with Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) a while later and asked him to find Simo, and knew the lack of information about the man wouldn’t be an issue for him.
Graham brought Simo to the village and Paddy was incredibly surprised. In Tenants, Simo revealed that he was visiting his dad yesterday who – like Bear – doesn’t deserve to be in prison. Simo agreed to help and testify at the trial – and this was more than enough for Paddy to start feeling hopeful again.
Zara the solicitor then arrived and fuelled Paddy’s optimism by telling him that Simo agreeing to speak in court is very good news.
Paddy took a phone call from Bear that afternoon, who was feeling nervous about the trial. Now Simo has agreed to help, Paddy viewed tomorrow’s events (well, Monday for us) as simply something they all have to do before being reunited as a family. He told his dad that he’d get the kettle on, because he’d be home soon.
Outside, Paddy stood on his own. Despite his previous comments, he looked somewhat anxious about what lies ahead. Paddy took a few deep breaths and looked at his surroundings. He reflected on everything he’s been through, and was fully aware that there’s a very real chance he won’t return to Emmerdale when he leaves for court in the morning.
